Member Feedback!

[MissAlice]

I'm really tired of seeing so much negativity in the feedback forum and would like to see something put in place to help turn this round. I've seen it said that staff don't listen, when in fact we all know they do, it's just that members don't always get their own way, and because of that, they get frustrated and sometimes go beyond the boundaries, and throw insults. Which is a bit like throwing your toys out of your pram when you can't have your own way. We have all seen changes here on the forum, some good, some bad, I won't list them, but always the aim of staff is to try to make improvements that benefit everyone, even if they don't always work.

Now while I fully understand the autoban being in place for those that join up just to cause trouble, I would like to say that one of the best features that Habbox Staff have recently introduced is the new members posts having to be approved. By now I'm sure it's already proved to be working successfully. Going on from that I feel sad for those long time members who have recently been banned and I emphasise long time members, because they must of contributed to the forum for some time and that proves that it was never their intention to deliberately cause disruption to the forum, else they would of been banned a long time ago. I would also like to say anyone that goes down that route must feel passionately about a cause and although I don't approve of attacking staff I do feel there is a right way to express how you feel about a cause without attacking staff or being disrespectful. Good manners really cost nothing!

Firstly what I would like to suggest, is allowing long term members who have been banned a chance to redeem themselves, even if that means a probationary period. How Habbox go about that, well that's for Habbox Management to decide on. But I would like to see it given a chance.

Secondly, I would like to recommend some kind of reward. A reward that comes in the form of a privilege given to members who contribute to this site in a positive way. Again, that's for Habbox Staff to sort, but a start could be 'Good Idea' forum/thread etc. where the reward could be a months free VIP or even 3 months free VIP, for an idea that get's used, this would be managed quite easily by Management provided of course you wern't flooded with excellent ideas ;)

It's not very often I have a lot to say, so I do hope what I've had to say has been worth reading, and will be considered.

[Meanies]

They both sound like good ideas to me :)

[Elkaa]

The second chance isn't a bad idea, however, for someone to get themselves permanently banned means that what they did, in general, means that we don't want them on the forum. If once you got permed you could get unbanned for a second chance, it would cause more rebel behavour knowing that they would get another chance regardless, if they've been here X amount of time, and done X amount of things for the forum.

As for the rewards, that is infact currently inplace. If you hop over to the Habbo BB section (even though I know you hate it!) you'll find that the reports from the forum, who are members, that post the best information, best coverage and be the best "big brother" of the event, will win themselves VIP and furniture on Habbo Hotel.

As for the giving away VIP in general for good ideas, it all depends how it would work - Would it be ideas like the removal of the Habbo Jobs section? Unique ideas? SMS VIP billing ideas? It would need a fair amount of work to come out properly.

[MissAlice]

The second chance isn't a bad idea, however, for someone to get themselves permanently banned means that what they did, in general, means that we don't want them on the forum. If once you got permed you could get unbanned for a second chance, it would cause more rebel behavour knowing that they would get another chance regardless, if they've been here X amount of time, and done X amount of things for the forum.

I did suggest possibly a probationary period, as an opportunity to redeem yourself. I think most deserve a second chance. If then it clearly shows the second chance was a waste of time, then sure, permanently ban. Have you never had a second chance?



As for the rewards, that is infact currently inplace. If you hop over to the Habbo BB section (even though I know you hate it!) you'll find that the reports from the forum, who are members, that post the best information, best coverage and be the best "big brother" of the event, will win themselves VIP and furniture on Habbo Hotel.

I really don't see that as a reward, but I do understand what you are saying, although I see that more of a competition to get members involved in Habbo BB, a fansite requirement requested by Habbo. If it's going well then great, but isn't this temporary? My idea was for something more permanent, long term, something that all members can be involved in if they chose to.



As for the giving away VIP in general for good ideas, it all depends how it would work - Would it be ideas like the removal of the Habbo Jobs section? Unique ideas? SMS VIP billing ideas? It would need a fair amount of work to come out properly.

I think this part is for management to decide upon, I just wanted to sow the seed, I don't have all the answers ;)

[Hayd93]

I always love you posts alice, Have some rep.

On the rewards idea i think thats a great idea. Maybe make a usergroup that is not quite vip eg they get updated PM box,bigger avatar,bigger sig and maybe some extra rep points. And let them have it for say 3 months. That way we dont get all VIP complaing saying people are getting for free when they paid.

[Neversoft]

Going on from that I feel sad for those long time members who have recently been banned and I emphasise long time members, because they must of contributed to the forum for some time and that proves that it was never their intention to deliberately cause disruption to the forum, else they would of been banned a long time ago.

Indeed. I was a forum moderator for 9 months, one of the orginal Habbox theme park staff members, a rare values reporter, room review, the former articles manager, part of the Habbox council and I wrote the entire tips and tricks page on the old Habbox site, which took absolutely ages! :P

I'd personally like to thank people such as MissAlice, GommeInc, Niall! and everyone else who have helped show that mine and NaughtyNemo's ban's were unfair.


I'm really tired of seeing so much negativity in the feedback forum and would like to see something put in place to help turn this round. I've seen it said that staff don't listen, when in fact we all know they do, it's just that members don't always get their own way, and because of that, they get frustrated and sometimes go beyond the boundaries, and throw insults. Which is a bit like throwing your toys out of your pram when you can't have your own way. We have all seen changes here on the forum, some good, some bad, I won't list them, but always the aim of staff is to try to make improvements that benefit everyone, even if they don't always work.

Now while I fully understand the autoban being in place for those that join up just to cause trouble, I would like to say that one of the best features that Habbox Staff have recently introduced is the new members posts having to be approved. By now I'm sure it's already proved to be working successfully. Going on from that I feel sad for those long time members who have recently been banned and I emphasise long time members, because they must of contributed to the forum for some time and that proves that it was never their intention to deliberately cause disruption to the forum, else they would of been banned a long time ago. I would also like to say anyone that goes down that route must feel passionately about a cause and although I don't approve of attacking staff I do feel there is a right way to express how you feel about a cause without attacking staff or being disrespectful. Good manners really cost nothing!

Firstly what I would like to suggest, is allowing long term members who have been banned a chance to redeem themselves, even if that means a probationary period. How Habbox go about that, well that's for Habbox Management to decide on. But I would like to see it given a chance.

Secondly, I would like to recommend some kind of reward. A reward that comes in the form of a privilege given to members who contribute to this site in a positive way. Again, that's for Habbox Staff to sort, but a start could be 'Good Idea' forum/thread etc. where the reward could be a months free VIP or even 3 months free VIP, for an idea that get's used, this would be managed quite easily by Management provided of course you wern't flooded with excellent ideas ;)

It's not very often I have a lot to say, so I do hope what I've had to say has been worth reading, and will be considered.

As for the actual thread, I think that some kind of reward for members who contribute to Habbox would go a long way. Free VIP or new features/privileges sounds good to me.

New members posts having to be approved is a good idea, but a lot of new members recently have been complaining about it. During my time on Habbox there hasn't been many times where new members have joined just to post rude images and such, so I don't really know why it was added. If it is mainly to do with rude images, then they could possibly disable new members from posting images and links until they're at a certain amount of posts instead?

[Elkaa]

I really don't see that as a reward, but I do understand what you are saying, although I see that more of a competition to get members involved in Habbo BB, a fansite requirement requested by Habbo. If it's going well then great, but isn't this temporary? My idea was for something more permanent, long term, something that all members can be involved in if they chose to.

I'll bring this up in the management forum and see if we can decide something.

As to the ban removal, I can't see that being effective when put into practise.

[sierk]

They are very nice suggestions, it's nice to see some positive and constructive feedback :)
I am not sure about unbanning long term members, for different reasons.
For one I think as soon as we start unbanning anybody, it will set a bad precedent, as more people will ask to be unbanned, and it takes away the whole point of a permanent ban.
Also I have always believed strongly in treating everybody the same, wether they are new or long term members. I don't think it would be fair if we discriminate between different members.
I see your point about giving a second chance, but I do believe that most members with a permanent ban can create a new account, and get a second chance that way. This might sound weak, but I think this works well.
But most importantly I want to protect my management. The main reason we started banning people who are very negative towards forum management is because it is very annoying and depressing for them to be confronted with these complaints all the time. It is very easy to complain about something, but most people that do are not at all aware of the effect they have on people who spend hours of their free time trying to do the best possible job, without getting anything in return. See for example a post by nvrspk4 http://www.habboxforum.com/showthread.php?p=4920630#post4920630 where he explaints how frustrating it can be.
I would find it extremely annoying if one day a manager decides to quit because of all the negative feedback and complaints. For me that is 100 times worse then an long term member being banned for causing this negativity in the first place. If people can not understand what effect their complaining has on staff, I don't see any other way to stop it then by banning them. Then at least they will get the point that their attitude is not appreciated, and maybe some others will finally get the point that they should restrain themself if they don't want to get banned as well. I don't like to threaten people with permanent bans, but I don't see any other way.

The second suggestion sounds very nice, we might not even have to start a new thread or forum for it. We could give an award every month for the best positive contribution or idea that is posted in this Feedback forum. Perhaps the first award can be for MissAlice for this wonderful idea ;)

[AgnesIO]

Fantastic ideas and the approval system was originally my idea - When i posted it about a year ago, i got about 50 -rep's saying dont be ridiculous, just because it would effect you etc etc :P

Anyway i love the idea, and as someone else said, seeing you on rthe forum is a delight!

+Rep :)

[Actor]

Alice once again conjours up some nice ideas!

Liking both, not sure about the unbanning procedure althought i can see where your coming from, it would be a complicated system to run though surely?

+rep :)

[Monopoly]

I love the rewards idea. I think it would work wonders and make the feedback forum a much brighter place to be.

On the unbanning subject, however. You could put a new system nto place where, as Miss Alice has said, the negative poster would be put through probationary period. When this system took effect you could say "alright, everyone who was banned in the last month gets unbanned and put onto the probationary period." Anyone banned before then will either have established themseles in a new account or forgotten about the forum and moved on to somewhere else.

[AgnesIO]

Probationary period should make you be like a new user, to get posrts approved.

[GommeInc]

Banning members in the first place makes management look far worse than unbanning them, and I am yet to see people moan about NaughtyNemo and whoever the other guy is (bad with names) asking to be unbanned. So until then, that's not entirely true and if I remember correctly, if the terms and conditions still suggest you have the power to do anything without question, then you have the power to unban someone without question from other members, especially when unbanning members is more of a positive contribution to a forum than a negative one.

Also, if members are permanently banned and make another account, can they get their old account back? I remember talking to Seacat a few months ago and he said he used to give them their accounts back but I'm not sure if the policy has changed. Also, you saying that kinda discredits what MAD, Elkaa and a few others have said in the past about bans. That when you're perm banned, you're on some black list and will never be given another chance (of course, people fight back by changing IPs or slipping away unnoticed).

Technically a manager quitting over negativity isn't a bad thing, if they can't take the heat then chuck them out of the fire, and long term members may have more of an insight to how the forum worked, or had worked than a manager who hasn't long joined the forum. I hold up MissAlice to you, who seem to know what she's talking about :P And if she got banned then that would surely be worse than a manager quitting. Heck, look at the feedback forums! When managers quit, no one really seems to care. But when a long term member is banned e.g. NaughtyNemo, everyone goes crazy. They did when I was banned for about 10 minutes :rolleyes: Also, there are other ways of solving issues than by banning people. It's called talking to them, by PM ;) Something that died out when usernotes did if I remember correctly.



They are very nice suggestions, it's nice to see some positive and constructive feedback :)
I am not sure about unbanning long term members, for different reasons.
For one I think as soon as we start unbanning anybody, it will set a bad precedent, as more people will ask to be unbanned, and it takes away the whole point of a permanent ban.
Also I have always believed strongly in treating everybody the same, wether they are new or long term members. I don't think it would be fair if we discriminate between different members.
I see your point about giving a second chance, but I do believe that most members with a permanent ban can create a new account, and get a second chance that way. This might sound weak, but I think this works well.
But most importantly I want to protect my management. The main reason we started banning people who are very negative towards forum management is because it is very annoying and depressing for them to be confronted with these complaints all the time. It is very easy to complain about something, but most people that do are not at all aware of the effect they have on people who spend hours of their free time trying to do the best possible job, without getting anything in return. See for example a post by nvrspk4 http://www.habboxforum.com/showthread.php?p=4920630#post4920630 where he explaints how frustrating it can be.
I would find it extremely annoying if one day a manager decides to quit because of all the negative feedback and complaints. For me that is 100 times worse then an long term member being banned for causing this negativity in the first place. If people can not understand what effect their complaining has on staff, I don't see any other way to stop it then by banning them. Then at least they will get the point that their attitude is not appreciated, and maybe some others will finally get the point that they should restrain themself if they don't want to get banned as well. I don't like to threaten people with permanent bans, but I don't see any other way.

The second suggestion sounds very nice, we might not even have to start a new thread or forum for it. We could give an award every month for the best positive contribution or idea that is posted in this Feedback forum. Perhaps the first award can be for MissAlice for this wonderful idea ;)

[Nemo]

Banning members in the first place makes management look far worse than unbanning them, and I am yet to see people moan about NaughtyNemo and whoever the other guy is (bad with names) asking to be unbanned. So until then, that's not entirely true and if I remember correctly, if the terms and conditions still suggest you have the power to do anything without question, then you have the power to unban someone without question from other members, especially when unbanning members is more of a positive contribution to a forum than a negative one.

Also, if members are permanently banned and make another account, can they get their old account back? I remember talking to Seacat a few months ago and he said he used to give them their accounts back but I'm not sure if the policy has changed. Also, you saying that kinda discredits what MAD, Elkaa and a few others have said in the past about bans. That when you're perm banned, you're on some black list and will never be given another chance (of course, people fight back by changing IPs or slipping away unnoticed).

Technically a manager quitting over negativity isn't a bad thing, if they can't take the heat then chuck them out of the fire, and long term members may have more of an insight to how the forum worked, or had worked than a manager who hasn't long joined the forum. I hold up MissAlice to you, who seem to know what she's talking about :P And if she got banned then that would surely be worse than a manager quitting. Heck, look at the feedback forums! When managers quit, no one really seems to care. But when a long term member is banned e.g. NaughtyNemo, everyone goes crazy. They did when I was banned for about 10 minutes :rolleyes: Also, there are other ways of solving issues than by banning people. It's called talking to them, by PM ;) Something that died out when usernotes did if I remember correctly.
I love you gomme. You speak so well and basically turn back everything back at them. I agree 100%. Btw, the other guys name is Neversoft ;p

[kk.]

to be honest, how many ideas that are suggested in the feedback forum are actually taken on board? Because i as one do not see many ideas used. Anyway, nice ideas. The second is the best and should be implemented whether its just for a good idea or a good post. Maybe you should try and do what youtube have with the thumbs up and down on each post? :P this way you can easily find the best posts and the worst for moderating?

[MissAlice]

They are very nice suggestions, it's nice to see some positive and constructive feedback :)
I am not sure about unbanning long term members, for different reasons.
For one I think as soon as we start unbanning anybody, it will set a bad precedent, as more people will ask to be unbanned, and it takes away the whole point of a permanent ban.
Also I have always believed strongly in treating everybody the same, wether they are new or long term members. I don't think it would be fair if we discriminate between different members.
I see your point about giving a second chance, but I do believe that most members with a permanent ban can create a new account, and get a second chance that way. This might sound weak, but I think this works well.
But most importantly I want to protect my management. The main reason we started banning people who are very negative towards forum management is because it is very annoying and depressing for them to be confronted with these complaints all the time. It is very easy to complain about something, but most people that do are not at all aware of the effect they have on people who spend hours of their free time trying to do the best possible job, without getting anything in return. See for example a post by nvrspk4 http://www.habboxforum.com/showthread.php?p=4920630#post4920630 where he explaints how frustrating it can be.
I would find it extremely annoying if one day a manager decides to quit because of all the negative feedback and complaints. For me that is 100 times worse then an long term member being banned for causing this negativity in the first place. If people can not understand what effect their complaining has on staff, I don't see any other way to stop it then by banning them. Then at least they will get the point that their attitude is not appreciated, and maybe some others will finally get the point that they should restrain themself if they don't want to get banned as well. I don't like to threaten people with permanent bans, but I don't see any other way.

The second suggestion sounds very nice, we might not even have to start a new thread or forum for it. We could give an award every month for the best positive contribution or idea that is posted in this Feedback forum. Perhaps the first award can be for MissAlice for this wonderful idea ;)

Thanks for replying to my post, I would like to say just a few things. Perhaps you can enlighten me and anyone else reading this as I do have a question.

I will firstly admit to not being to familiar with infractions, warnings, cautioned members, and lastly permanently banned members. It's not ignorance, I simply don't remember it all, and probably because I doubt it will ever effect me. I respect your reasons for not wishing to unban, and I read the post link above, and know full well what it's like as I took a lot of abuse as an X, purely because I wore a unique badge, so I really do understand it is very frustrating, demoralising and can get you down, but I never gave in to it! I dealt with it in my own way.

Now I would like to to ask a question that doesn't apply to new members who instantly get banned because their sole intention is to disrupt, but the question do any members get sent a final warning? If they aren't maybe that's something that should of been issued, and could be used in the future, as maybe that's what was needed recently as then I would totally agree with you, there would be no need to unban or for me to even suggest a probationary period if unbanned.

It's good of you to acknowledge my idea for a reward/award system, and I really don't seek any gain for myself. My whole aim with the idea was to create something positive to give back to members, who do genuinely contribute to the forum. I want to see some harmony in the feedback forum, and not an ever ending list of demands. Below is a classic example of a member who has contributed and deserves some recognition for it. There must be other members too, who are just as worthy, I came across this one by chance.
http://www.habboxforum.com/showpost.php?p=3372365&postcount=1

[Nemo]

Thanks for replying to my post, I would like to say just a few things. Perhaps you can enlighten me and anyone else reading this as I do have a question.

I will firstly admit to not being to familiar with infractions, warnings, cautioned members, and lastly permanently banned members. It's not ignorance, I simply don't remember it all, and probably because I doubt it will ever effect me. I respect your reasons for not wishing to unban, and I read the post link above, and know full well what it's like as I took a lot of abuse as an X, purely because I wore a unique badge, so I really do understand it is very frustrating, demoralising and can get you down, but I never gave in to it! I dealt with it in my own way.

Now I would like to to ask a question that doesn't apply to new members who instantly get banned because their sole intention is to disrupt, but the question do any members get sent a final warning? If they aren't maybe that's something that should of been issued, and could be used in the future, as maybe that's what was needed recently as then I would totally agree with you, there would be no need to unban or for me to even suggest a probationary period if unbanned.

It's good of you to acknowledge my idea for a reward/award system, and I really don't seek any gain for myself. My whole aim with the idea was to create something positive to give back to members, who do genuinely contribute to the forum. I want to see some harmony in the feedback forum, and not an ever ending list of demands. Below is a classic example of a member who has contributed and deserves some recognition for it. There must be other members too, who are just as worthy, I came across this one by chance.
http://www.habboxforum.com/showpost.php?p=3372365&postcount=1Prescicely, as far as im aware, i was given no warning whatsoever, i had no infractions/warnings, i never had any even before the infraction wipe and then i was out of the blue banned, seems strange to me.

[Havoline]

I agree, I would like a chance to show I could behave as my account was permed for doing one thing even though my record before hand was pretty much clean, only 2 expired cautions on it.

[nvrspk4]

It really is telling to see how quickly a thread about positive feedback was turned around to be used to lobby for completely different causes :)

[MissAlice]

It really is telling to see how quickly a thread about positive feedback was turned around to be used to lobby for completely different causes :)

Disappointed :(
Would of been nice to see you contribute here!

[nvrspk4]

Disappointed :(
Would of been nice to see you contribute here!

Sorry Alice I've been mad busy trying to organize the Habbo BB stuff :P Plus, most of what needed to be said was said IMO.

Although I don't agree that all longtime forum members should be unbanned after good behavior. Those banned for Rudeness or Constant rulebreaking who are judged to have contributed to the forum in the past maybe after 6 months get a probation. But if they come back on another account and cause trouble that probation offer is null and void.

A month's VIP for those who present good constructive ideas would indeed be a good addition.

[Neversoft]

Banning members in the first place makes management look far worse than unbanning them, and I am yet to see people moan about NaughtyNemo and whoever the other guy is (bad with names) asking to be unbanned.

Man, that hurts. I thought you loved me. :'(

[The Professor]

Firstly, I'd like to thank you Alice for your continued good attitude and approach to problems and solutions, it really makes a nice change :)


Now I would like to to ask a question that doesn't apply to new members who instantly get banned because their sole intention is to disrupt, but the question do any members get sent a final warning? If they aren't maybe that's something that should of been issued, and could be used in the future, as maybe that's what was needed recently as then I would totally agree with you, there would be no need to unban or for me to even suggest a probationary period if unbanned.

I can answer this one purely from a personal perspective because its the way I like to do things and think its most fair. Except in the case of spammers and the obvious rulebreakers, I ALWAYS give some sort of final warning PM before manually banning someone. There will probably be a few members in this forum who've received one from me and can testify to that. They often contain sentences such as "continuing to do xyz will earn you a caution, if not worse punishment." That way, if they choose to ignore it and carry on doing what they were doing, they deserve the ban and knew what they were getting themselves into. Other members of the smod+ team do things slightly different to the way I do, but that's their lookout. It may take about 5 minutes longer of my time but it avoids situations like Neversoft's and Nemo's, presuming they weren't PMd prior to the bans (I know no details of the situation so I'm not really in a position to comment).

But I seem to have digressed. Your idea of rewarding positive contributors was actually suggested to me a while ago by, of all people, Coldplay. He suggested that moderators select someone in their section each month (they're encouraged to post and interact so they get to know people's attitudes fairly well) who contributes positively to the section, be it with well written posts, amusing posts or interesting posts, receive the competition winner's VIP that is currently in use on the Seacat5 account. Obviously the colour and name would have to be changed to suit the situation but it seems like a worthwhile reward. I believe I suggested it to MAD about a month ago but haven't heard much of it since, I'll have to pester him when he (and I!) gets back and point him towards this thread.

Although sods law says nvr has already done something about it and I've wasted the last 10 minutes typing the response :P

[JackBuddy]

Firstly, I'd like to thank you Alice for your continued good attitude and approach to problems and solutions, it really makes a nice change :)



I can answer this one purely from a personal perspective because its the way I like to do things and think its most fair. Except in the case of spammers and the obvious rulebreakers, I ALWAYS give some sort of final warning PM before manually banning someone. There will probably be a few members in this forum who've received one from me and can testify to that. They often contain sentences such as "continuing to do xyz will earn you a caution, if not worse punishment." That way, if they choose to ignore it and carry on doing what they were doing, they deserve the ban and knew what they were getting themselves into. Other members of the smod+ team do things slightly different to the way I do, but that's their lookout. It may take about 5 minutes longer of my time but it avoids situations like Neversoft's and Nemo's, presuming they weren't PMd prior to the bans (I know no details of the situation so I'm not really in a position to comment).

But I seem to have digressed. Your idea of rewarding positive contributors was actually suggested to me a while ago by, of all people, Coldplay. He suggested that moderators select someone in their section each month (they're encouraged to post and interact so they get to know people's attitudes fairly well) who contributes positively to the section, be it with well written posts, amusing posts or interesting posts, receive the competition winner's VIP that is currently in use on the Seacat5 account. Obviously the colour and name would have to be changed to suit the situation but it seems like a worthwhile reward. I believe I suggested it to MAD about a month ago but haven't heard much of it since, I'll have to pester him when he (and I!) gets back and point him towards this thread.

Although sods law says nvr has already done something about it and I've wasted the last 10 minutes typing the response :P
Ok, I'm not looking to start WWIII again but why did I receieve a PM warning me about my behaviour and not them? Surely infractions and warnings should have been dished out. Maybe you could suggest to management giving out final warnings (like you did to me) in some situations.

[Tintinnabulate]

I see your point about giving a second chance, but I do believe that most members with a permanent ban can create a new account, and get a second chance that way.

Why not give them a second chance on their original account instead? If they are behaving on the new account, that means they have learnt their lesson and would behave on the original account too. If not, then auto ban?

[Elkaa]

If the offence is serious, no final warning is needed, basically. If you're stacking up infractions slowly and haven't been caught by autoban yet, then a final warning is helpful.

[Havoline]

If the offence is serious, no final warning is needed, basically. If you're stacking up infractions slowly and haven't been caught by autoban yet, then a final warning is helpful.
I personally think you should be warned before you get permed. For example I was permed on 2 cautions which were both expired just for doing one thing wrong - and it wasn't like major serious.

[Tintinnabulate]

Maybe use 1 year bans instead of permananent bans. Most people would mature by then (hopefully).

[Havoline]

Thats a bit long though, like 2 months would be ok.

[MissAlice]

Sorry Alice I've been mad busy trying to organize the Habbo BB stuff :P Plus, most of what needed to be said was said IMO.

Although I don't agree that all longtime forum members should be unbanned after good behavior. Those banned for Rudeness or Constant rulebreaking who are judged to have contributed to the forum in the past maybe after 6 months get a probation. But if they come back on another account and cause trouble that probation offer is null and void.

A month's VIP for those who present good constructive ideas would indeed be a good addition.

Thanks for replying letters ;)

I hadn't thought of that, maybe it's something Management could discuss. Six months on another account is long enough to monitor to see if they deserve a second chance on their main account, nice idea :)




Firstly, I'd like to thank you Alice for your continued good attitude and approach to problems and solutions, it really makes a nice change :)



I can answer this one purely from a personal perspective because its the way I like to do things and think its most fair. Except in the case of spammers and the obvious rulebreakers, I ALWAYS give some sort of final warning PM before manually banning someone. There will probably be a few members in this forum who've received one from me and can testify to that. They often contain sentences such as "continuing to do xyz will earn you a caution, if not worse punishment." That way, if they choose to ignore it and carry on doing what they were doing, they deserve the ban and knew what they were getting themselves into. Other members of the smod+ team do things slightly different to the way I do, but that's their lookout. It may take about 5 minutes longer of my time but it avoids situations like Neversoft's and Nemo's, presuming they weren't PMd prior to the bans (I know no details of the situation so I'm not really in a position to comment).

But I seem to have digressed. Your idea of rewarding positive contributors was actually suggested to me a while ago by, of all people, Coldplay. He suggested that moderators select someone in their section each month (they're encouraged to post and interact so they get to know people's attitudes fairly well) who contributes positively to the section, be it with well written posts, amusing posts or interesting posts, receive the competition winner's VIP that is currently in use on the Seacat5 account. Obviously the colour and name would have to be changed to suit the situation but it seems like a worthwhile reward. I believe I suggested it to MAD about a month ago but haven't heard much of it since, I'll have to pester him when he (and I!) gets back and point him towards this thread.

Although sods law says nvr has already done something about it and I've wasted the last 10 minutes typing the response :P

Hi Alex :)

I'm glad you take the time to give a final warning, 5 minutes isn't a lot, and if a member had that warning, then they have absolutely no reason to complain after if they are permanently banned.

My idea was based on more of a good deed, a contribution that get's recognised and used, like the spoiler tags as an example. Spoilers are a good example, (I shall have to find some more examples) as many have benefitted from it and it's in use here on the forum. Coldplay's idea is very different, and I don't wish to offend anyone, but it's more like a teacher rewarding good behaviour and handing out merits ;) So I don't think you can really compare the two :P


If the offence is serious, no final warning is needed, basically. If you're stacking up infractions slowly and haven't been caught by autoban yet, then a final warning is helpful.

Mr Elkaa, totally agree with that, it's fair :)

[e5]

I'd love to see my old accoutns given a second chance, but the unfortunate thing is, my accounts have been permed on e5 but then i've had my accounts name changed back to e5 to I lost all rep on that acc etc

but DX and Elliott are 2 of my long-term accounts that need second chances, given my behaviour on this account has been very good recently =D

I think giving us all second chances would be very good, and if the trouble makes did return, the fast-acting (Super) moderators can soon deal with them.